Saracens shine and Marcelo Bosch will make them even stronger

Saracens’ decision to add Argentina centre Marcelo Bosch to their powerful squad has proved very timely after Brad Barritt underwent ankle surgery that will keep him out of rugby until the New Year.

Bosch, who has been playing at Biarritz, has been linked with Saries for some time and Standard Sport understands the deal has now been finalised although the 21-cap back will not be available until the Rugby Championship concludes next month.

The Pumas round off the tournament against Australia in Rosario on October 5 but Sarries are aware Bosch could be needed for Argentina’s autumn programme, which starts against England at Twickenham on November 9 and is followed by matches against Wales and Italy.

Barritt has been the rock on which Saracens and England have built their defences and his loss will be felt by club and country as he will miss the November Tests with Australia, Argentina and New Zealand.

The centre first damaged his ankle during the Heineken Cup semi-final loss to Toulon in April and although he recovered in time for the Lions tour the ankle became a major issue again after he helped Sarries defeat London Irish last Saturday.

Given Barritt’s new lay-off, the signing of Bosch has taken on more importance as the 29-year-old is an experienced utility back and a long-range goal kicker.

Without Barritt, Sarries were still able to overwhelm Gloucester 44-12 at Allianz Park yesterday with the five-try victory taking them to the top of the Premiership. They were helped by the sending off of Gloucester prop Nick Wood after just 73 seconds for stamping on Jacques Burger’s head.

Wood apologised to Burger and the Sarries flanker said: “There are no hard feelings and you do silly things in rugby. I am sure he feels really bad about it. It’s tough when a team go a man down and we stuck to our game plan, particularly in the second half.”

Burger spent nearly two years battling to overcome a serious knee injury and although he was man of the match yesterday he believes he can get even better.

With Scotland captain Kelly Brown and highly rated young England flanker Will Fraser both set to return from injury, Burger knows he must make a big impression before the established rotation policy kicks in.

He said: “It will take some time for me to be 100 per cent in terms of decision making and I am just happy to be playing rugby again. I know that other guys are coming back into the squad.

“We have a healthy competition going in the back row at the club and you have to make the most of your chance with our rotation.”

London Irish were indebted to England wing Marland Yarde for their 20-18 win at Worcester with the 21-year-old running in two tries.

Irish director of rugby, Brian Smith, said: “Marland Yarde’s finishing is lethal and he is as good as there is in the game.

“He was finding his feet last season but now he’s the real deal. His biggest strength is his willingness to learn but I believe there’s still 25 per cent improvement to come.”

London Wasps lost 30-26 at Exeter while Harlequins were beaten 13-6 by Northampton at the Twickenham Stoop.